A Shopping Spree to Remember for Parry Sound Kids

Parry Sound, ON – November 15, 2010 – Winter clothes shopping turned out to be a thrill for 12-year old Linda Salerno as she joined 37 other local children for a free shopping spree Monday night at the Walmart and Hart Department stores in Parry Sound.

“I thought it was a pretty cool chance to get new clothes,” said Salerno, who had warm clothes and a new pair of winter boots in her shopping cart, funded by a $100 gift card. The shopping spree was put on by The Salvation Army thanks to an anonymous donation and funds from the Weston Foundation.

Partnering with The Salvation Army were Parry Sound Mayor-elect Jamie McGarvey, Moose FM personality James King, Constable Charles Ostrom of the OPP, and volunteers from The Salvation Army. Special thanks are extended to Walmart manager Jeff McLellan and Hart store manager Brenda Haskim who went out of the way to make the event special for the children and their families.

The Hart store stayed open after store hours and staff were on hand to help the kids find exactly what they needed. Walmart associates also made themselves available to assist the children in finding clothes that were just the right size and colour.

Captain Peter van Duinen of The Salvation Army in Parry Sound said the children were selected by teachers and staff of their respective schools.

“They all found what they needed,” Captain van Duinen said of the 38 children who participated in the shopping spree. “No one said they haven’t found something.”

Captain van Duinen said the donations helped a lot, but The Salvation Army could use even more support as it heads into its annual Christmas Assistance program which provides practical assistance to hundreds of local people each Christmas.

“We’d like the community to remember we always need donations,” Captain van Duinen said. “We also need volunteer ‘elves’ to help us pack toys and bell ringers to help at our kettles, which is our biggest fundraiser, supporting the work of The Salvation Army throughout the year.”

To donate or volunteer, please contact The Salvation Army at 705-746-5391.

The Salvation Army is an international Christian church that began its work in Parry Sound in 1887 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the West Parry Sound District. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in Parry Sound and 120 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless and supporting people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction.

Media Contact:
Captain Peter van Duinen
Corps Officer
Work Phone: 705-746-5391
Cell Phone: 705-774-6905
E-mail: peter_van_duinen@can.salvationarmy.org